Tukaram Bidkar
Indian politician and actor (died 2025)
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Tukaram Bidkar (also spelled Tukaram Birkad; died 13 February 2025) was an Indian politician and actor. He was a member of the Nationalist Congress Party and served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Murtizapur Assembly constituency from 2004 to 2009. He also chaired the Vidarbha Statutory Development Board.
Tukaram Bidkar | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 2004–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre |
| Succeeded by | Harish Pimple |
| Constituency | Murtizapur |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Maharashtra, India |
| Died | 13 February 2025 Akola, Maharashtra, India |
| Party | Nationalist Congress Party (before 2023) Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) (2023–2025) |
| Occupation | Politician, actor and athlete |
Background
Tukaram Bidkar was born in Tolangabad, Maharashtra. He was a kabaddi player and received an award from President Giani Zail Singh. He also mentored athletes through the Jai Bajrang Vyayamshala.[1]
Bidkar died in a traffic collision in Akola, Maharashtra, on 13 February 2025.[2][3][1]
Political career
Bidkar began his political career as a member of the Zilla Parishad. In 2004, he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Murtizapur Assembly constituency.[1] He was also appointed the chairman of the Vidarbha Statutory Development Board.[4]
He was associated with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. After the Nationalist Congress Party split, he aligned with the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.[1]
Bidkar also served as the Vice President of the Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, Maharashtra.[5]
Film career
Bidkar also appeared in Marathi films. He played a notable role in Debu, a film that he also produced, based on the life of Sant Gadge Maharaj.[6] He later appeared in Khairlanjichya Mathyawar (2014), Zari (2017), and Tu Fakt Ho Mhan (2022). He also had a role in Aasud (2019), a Marathi film addressing farmer suicides.[1]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Debu | Based on Gadge Maharaj's life; also producer |
| 2014 | Khairlanjichya Mathyawar | |
| 2017 | Zari | Also producer |
| 2019 | Aasud | |
| 2022 | Tu Fakt Ho Mhan |